2017-08-04 – Elmsdale Lumber

On August 4, a small number of members met at Elmsdale Lumber, where we had a tour of the full facility and got answers to all our questions – and we had lots of questions.

Elmsdale Lumber is celebrating 100 years of operation in 2017 so it has a long history and has the process is well established. A few years ago, they had a major upgrade to automate stacking and sorting. Their has been refined over the years and the approximately 50 employees have pretty efficient – and safe – processes in place.

At each step in the process, there were people willing to answer our questions, and we had lots of questions. It was a really informative visit. Unfortunately, I didn’t get everybody’s name but we really appreciated all the time they took with us.

While at the mill, we also had a chance to watch some master craftsmen working on a bandstand for a local community part.

We stopped for a bite of lunch and then visited Darrell Hamilton’s woodshop. Darrell collects and restores hand tools and could open a museum. With the varied cases showcasing his collection, he might have plans to do that in the future. In the meantime, if you are on the lookout for any hand tools, contact Darrell at a meeting – if he doesn’t have it, he can probably find it for you.

It was a great day. I know I learned a lot. Big thanks to Darrell for coordinating the details – and making a great recommendation for a lunch venue.

Watching the master carvers

Discussing the kiln procedures and processes

Our tour guide, Craig, is a Yard Supervisor who has many years with the company.

There is very little waste – everything used to smallest chips.

The blade room and its manager

Sharpening a blade

plane

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